- CIDESCO
- Leading Spas of Canada
- iSPA International Spa Association
- Cosmetics Alliance Canada
- International Pedicure Association (IPA)
Esthetics & Medical Spa Therapies (MST)
About the Program
Seneca’s Esthetics and Medical Spa Therapies program, a leader in the field since 1990, will give you hands-on experience in the on-campus spa. You can look forward to specializing your focus on advanced services and therapies.
In addition to basic skills, you’ll also receive advanced theory and practical training to confidently perform treatments in the field of medical esthetics. Hands-on sessions will reinforce lessons, ensuring you’re ready to start your career upon graduation.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Duration
6 Semesters (3 Years)
Starts
January, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Academic Schedule Starting September
| Year | September | January | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Break |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Break |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Academic Schedule Starting January
| Year | September | January | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Break |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Waxing and Tinting
- Basic and Advanced Facials
- Basic and Advanced Body Treatments
- Skincare Analysis
- Spa Business Operations
- Medical Esthetic Treatments
- Holistic Therapies
Work Experience
Internships
You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences providing services to clients at the on-campus Evolutions Spa.
Field Work
The on-campus Evolutions Spa provides students with the time and opportunity to perfect their services and practice working with customers in a real-life spa.
Evolutions Spa
Your Career
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
- Day Spas
- Hotel/Resort Spas
- Destination Spas
- Medical Spas
- Cruise Ships
- Nail and Hair Salons
- Wellness/Fitness Centers
- National retailers and vendors of beauty products
- Dermatologist Office
- Cosmetic Surgeons Office
Affiliations/Associations
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| ETC103 | Hand Anatomy - Physiology and Care | 3 |
| ETC104 | Foot Anatomy - Physiology and Care | 4 |
| ETC115 | Skin Care I | 5 |
| SPM101 | Spa Customer Service | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| ETB215 | Product Knowledge | 3 |
| ETC205 | Waxing | 4 |
| ETC216 | Skin Care II | 4 |
| SPM108 | Skin Analysis | 3 |
| SPM200 | Evolutions Spa 1 | 4 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| EST560 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| ETC310 | Spa Treatments I | 4 |
| ETC317 | Skin Care III | 4 |
| SPM300 | Evolutions Spa 1 | 4 |
| SPM302 | Spa Business Operations I | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ETC313 | Make-Up Techniques and Application | 4 |
| ETC410 | Spa Treatments II | 4 |
| ETC418 | Skin Care IV | 4 |
| SPM400 | Evolutions Spa 1 | 4 |
| SPM402 | Spa Business Operations II | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| SPM502 | Advanced Spa Treatments | 4 |
| SPM508 | Evolutions Spa 1 | 4 |
| SPM511 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| SPM513 | Medical Esthetics Technologies | 4 |
| SPM518 | Spa Marketing | 2 |
| SPM608 | Skin Analysis II | 3 |
| Semester 6 | ||
| SPM505 | Holistic Esthetic Treatments | 4 |
| SPM512 | Medical Esthetics Science | 2 |
| SPM605 | Make Up Techniques II | 4 |
| SPM610 | Evolutions Spa | 4 |
| SPM611 | Advanced Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| SPM613 | Anti-aging Technologies | 4 |
- 1
Students have clinic hours every other week in our on-campus Evolutions Spa.
Additional
A Standard First Aid Certificate and Medical & Immunization Report are required to graduate from this program.
Note:
- Professional practice in the spa at Seneca is a required component of the program. A qualified esthetician will be on duty at all times to reinforce theory and to ensure professional standards are maintained.
- The following courses will not fulfil a General Education requirement: NAT112 Physiology of Fitness, NAT160 Natural Science: Nutrition.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Evaluate, compare, select and perform a variety of specialized body and skin care treatments following correct procedures and precautions and supporting client needs (including and not limited to facials, manicures, pedicures, hair removal, and make up applications).
- Explain the principles and processes of chemistry and physics which impact upon the use and range of specialized equipment and products, in compliance with established national, provincial, industry, and other related standards, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Identify and distinguish among the structures and functions related to the anatomy, physiology, and histology of the skin and body for the purposes of diagnosing, problem solving and creating specialized esthetic treatments and services for identified client skin and body conditions.
- Adhere to health, safety, sanitation, and infection and prevention control guidelines, according to current legislation and national, provincial, municipal, and industry standards and regulations.
- Identify business skills and activities required for the successful establishment and operation of a small esthetic business in a salon or spa environment.
- Analyze, select and recommend the use of esthetic products and product ingredients to clients, taking into account health status and identified needs.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships in adherence to standards and ethics associated with the profession.
- Develop customer service strategies that meet and adapt to individual needs and expectations in accordance with professional standards and ethics.
- Determine professional development strategies that lead to the enhancement of work performance and career opportunities and keep pace with industry change.
- Compare, explain and perform the different medical as well as holistic therapies currently being offered in spas and distinguish among these for the most appropriate treatment for specific client concerns.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
Recommended upgrading for applicants who do not meet academic subject requirements.
Additional Information
After admission but prior to the start of classes, you must obtain:
- Valid Standard First Aid with CPR C certificate (two-day course)
- Esthetics Clinical Preparedness permit that includes confirmation of Mantoux Skin Test and Immunizations (MMR, Polio, Varicella, TD, Hepatitis B, Flu Shot)
Once you’ve secured a seat in the program, you’ll receive an email with details about how to complete and submit the Clinical Preparedness Permit. You may obtain the First Aid and CPR C certificate through any WSIB-approved training provider.
Your participation in first semester practical experiences will be restricted until both requirements are complete.
Notes
Although not required for admission, completion of a senior biology or exercise science course is recommended for your success in the program.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.